BASS in YO FACE!

Hi all - just back from my trip to Woodstock/Kingston to pick up the new MTD-535 from Mike Tobias (and very shortly after hitting the 'Publish' button for this post, off to the next SL Band gig at the Flying Pig)...

First, a huge thank you to Mike and his team for being so totally cool throughout the entire process of the creation of this instrument. Mike is a genuinely nice human and an absolute pleasure to talk to.

He also makes one hell of a bass. I'm not sure how to describe it... I wonder if this is what Stradivarius owners feel... Imagine that you're a pretty good stock car driver. Or maybe demolition derby. Once in a while, you get to drive something nice, like a Beemer. Then one day, someone says to you "hey kid, nice drivin' - I got a formula one out in the back, take 'er for a spin!" and throws you the keys. You can drive it... but you may end up hurting yourself or someone else if you're not careful. This bass is so responsive, it's sort of like that formula one car. I've played it maybe two hours total and I'd swear my fretless technique is already improving.

Thanks also the the fine folks at Village Green B&B, for showing me the amazing marble/machine work of Larry Lawrence - these items have to be seen in motion to be believed!

And finally, special thanks also to my wife for encouraging me to get this bass, take the time off, and to enjoy the trip! You RAWK, babe!